Why does this matter?

Understanding why your job matters is crucial for motivation and performance.

Have you ever felt stuck or constrained? This feeling might arise from not identifying a purpose in your work. While earning money is a clear reason to have a job, is that all there is to life? It's easy to get caught up in daily routines and spend your life working away. However, having a purpose doesn't always mean addressing a major issue. It's often about how we contribute to our teams, solve problems, or make a positive difference in others' lives, no matter how small.

I was once tasked with raking leaves in a jungle where they never stop falling. At first, it felt totally pointless, and I wasn’t happy about it. But when I finished, I asked my leaders why we were doing this. They told me, “If we don’t rake, you won’t see the ground. And in the Amazon rainforest, that’s important to avoid some nasty surprises.”

After that, I raked with purpose. I realized the task wasn’t just about clearing leaves—it was about safety for everyone. If I hadn’t asked, I would’ve stayed frustrated and missed the bigger picture.